EAPRIL 2025 conference theme: Keeping it real: embracing authenticity in education in the age of AI and innovation
In an era of rapid technological advancement, and particularly because of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), authenticity has emerged as a critical cornerstone of education and educational research. Authenticity in teaching goes beyond the mere delivery of content; it embodies teachers' personal engagement, the genuine connections they make with learners, and their ability to reflect the lived realities of their students. Authentic teacher-learner relationships foster the trust, empathy and sense of belonging that are essential for meaningful learning.
But authenticity goes beyond the classroom - it is also essential in educational research. As AI increasingly permeates educational contexts, the challenge is to integrate these technologies while maintaining authentic, human-centred educational values. Practice-based research has a key role to play in exploring how AI can enhance, rather than undermine, the human elements of education, and in ensuring that innovation aligns with the core mission of promoting authentic learning experiences.
This year's EAPRIL theme invites participants to reflect on how authenticity can be preserved and strengthened in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. How can we ensure that AI-driven tools support rather than replace the authentic voice of educators? How can research methodologies remain transparent, participatory and rooted in real educational contexts?
As a vibrant community bridging research and practice, EAPRIL seeks to inspire educational development that is both innovative and grounded. Together, we aim to explore how authentic teaching, learning and research can transform education, ensuring that technology serves humanity while preserving the integrity of personal and professional learning experiences.